Saskatchewan is enjoying incredible growth. That growth means
we need more power. With an aging power grid, it’s an ongoing
challenge to meet the needs of today — and tomorrow. We’re hard
at work and ready to meet that challenge.
Learn more at

saskpower.com

BUSINESS View
February/March 2014

Featured Articles

5
10
19

Rolling with the times

Third generation leads bowling
into the 21st century

Get to know a member
Chem-Dry and Auto Spa and
Imports of Saskatoon

From collective
empowerment to effective
outcomes
The power and potential of volunteer
committees

Eastview Bowl in Saskatoon is in its third generation of owners. Photo:
Grant Romancia

Promotional Features

15

University of Saskatchewan

17

CGI

21
BUSINESS View足is a bimonthly publication of the
Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
104-202 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 0K1
Phone: (306) 244-2151 Fax: (306) 244-8366
Email: chamber@saskatoonchamber.com
Website: www.saskatoonchamber.com
Twitter: @stoonchamber
Reproduction of any material contained in Business View is permitted provided credit is given
to the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
Articles and criticisms are invited, but views expressed in Business View are those of
contributors and are not necessarily endorsed by, or are policy of, the Greater Saskatoon
Chamber of Commerce. We encourage you to support the business leaders whose names
and products you see advertised in this issue as well as throughout our entire membership.
The Board reserves the right to edit submissions.

BUSINESS View足 February/March 2014

2 Web Design

The Chamber

Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce
Building the Best Business Climate in Canada,
Thereby Creating a City of Opportunity

or the first time in years, it seems
business owners are starting to
catch their breath.

Since this boom started, we’ve all
been running just to keep up. In the face
of more contracts, more customers and
more business we’ve struggled to grow
fast enough to keep pace.
Now, for the first time in recent
memory, we are returning to a more
manageable level of healthy growth.
This moment allows us a chance to take
stock, plan for the coming years, and
calibrate our plans to match the growth
forecasts for Saskatoon.
For the past five years, many local
companies have grown at doubledigit rates. Today, fewer companies
are experiencing this sort of explosive
growth.
Nevertheless, Saskatoon remains
one of Canada’s fastest growing
metropolitan economies, with the
Conference Board of Canada forecasting
3.5 per cent growth for 2014. People

are still flocking to Saskatoon from
around the world to build their future
here, where unemployment rates are
the lowest in Canada.
We can all feel confident about this
positive outlook. With clear plans for
the future, smart execution and a good
sense of timing, myriad businesses can
flourish here in Saskatoon.
We need to invest to grow, and to
ensure a prosperous future for our
city. Leaders in Saskatoon’s business
community must also be mindful of the
fundamentals of sustainable growth:
invest in developing the people you
need, do not lose your presence within
your direct market, and watch your
business plan closely.
The temptation to overbuild can be
strong, especially since business owners
can see it as a chance to finally get on top
of things. However, think hard about
where the high watermark will be in
your sector, and build accordingly.
It can also be tempting during boom

times to dedicate your people and
resources on one or two major contracts
with laser focus.
However, be sure to balance this
instinct by diversifying. Take some time
to develop new markets, products and
clients while you have extra cash flow to
do so. This will ensure the floor doesn’t
fall out from under your business when
one major contract is complete.
Saskatchewan’s economic outlook is
positive, and there is plenty of long term
success in store for those who plan for it.

Tracy Arno
is president
and founder
of
Essence
Recruitment,
and currently
the President
of the Greater
Saskatoon
Chamber of
Commerce

the market,” she
said. “You have
to be willing to
change.”
These days the
entertainment
options available
are
virtually
endless, Hunter
says, and bowling
alleys are facing
off against a
wide range of
challengers in the
battle for scarce
entertainment
dollars.
“We’re
not
competing just
with rinks or
curling – we’re
competing with
restaurants and
movie theatres
and everything
else,” Hunter said.
The
family
business operates
two
locations
in
Saskatoon:
E a s t v i e w
Bowling Centre
Allison Hunter is part of the third generation of owners and Fairhaven
of this family-run business. Photo: Grant Romancia Bowling Centre.
The
business
employs around
fter paying her dues working 70 people, including family members
the till and spraying shoes as a of all ages.
teenager, Allison Hunter has
The future now depends, Hunter
taken the reins of the family
said, on striking a balance between
business.
developing new markets while staying
Representing the next generation, true to their long-time customers and
and bringing in a fresh perspective, she their roots.
is guiding Hunter’s Bowling Centres
Bowling was played in North America
though the choppy waters of the 21st
since the Colonial days, but only became
century entertainment industry.
a viable business in the late 1950s, with
“In the last 10 years, 25 per cent of the invention of the automatic pinsetter.
bowling centres in North America have
It was during this period, that
closed because they’re not adjusting to

A

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

brothers Ken and Bill Hunter got into
the bowling business.
Allison’s father Ken was a hockey
player from Calgary who had come
to play for the Saskatoon Quakers, a
professional team competing in the
Western Canada Senior Hockey League.
After a number of years of hard knocks,
low pay and frequent travel Ken decided
to make his living on the lanes instead
of the ice.
Luckily for the Hunter brothers,
it was the heyday of bowling. League
bowlers formed a large and loyal
base of customers who played several
times every week and participated in
tournaments. Profits from food and
beverage sales were strong, and the
arrival of video arcade games provided
yet another source of revenue.
“Back then, the bowling alleys were
packed every night, with both the seven
o’clock and nine o’clock shifts full up,”
Hunter said. “There were waiting lists
to get into leagues.”
The Hunter family business soon
grew to include four bowling centres
in Saskatoon – including the muchmissed downtown Bowlarena – and one
in North Battleford.
In the early 1980s, Canada’s bowling
fever began to cool. Changing lifestyles
and cable television led to a severe dropoff in league membership, taking a deep
bite out of the bowling revenues across
Canada. Three of the Hunter family’s
locations had to shut their doors.
“Leagues used to be like 90 per cent
of our business, and now it’s about 40,”
Hunter said. “People don’t sign up to
things like they used to - nobody wants
to make the commitment.”
League bowling still keeps the lanes
busy on weekdays, Hunter said, and
many of her loyal customers have been
Continued on Page 6

5

COVER STORY
“Rolling with the times” Continued from Page 5
playing with them for as many as 60
years. This hard core is important to
the business, she said, but is no longer
sufficient to keep the business profitable.
According to a market report by
White Hutchison, a firm of leisure
architects, casual bowlers now make up
about 79 per cent of all bowlers. This
is a huge change from the Golden Age
of bowling – between the 1960s and
early 1980s – when 75 per cent were
competitive league bowlers.
At the same time, the type of people
who are bowling has also changed.
Whereas bowlers were mostly blue
collar and middle class during the
Golden Age, today’s casual bowlers
are often college-educated and from a
higher socioeconomic class. This set is
looking for more upscale decor, good
food and a lounge ambience that could
draw you in even if you don’t bowl.
Marketing to these modern casual
bowlers has presented both a challenge
and a lifeline for the family business,
Hunter said. Hunter said she has
embraced the idea of becoming a
location-based entertainment centre,
with something to offer the whole
family.
“Bowling has changed in that
we don’t just consider ourselves a

bowling centre, we’re an
entertainment centre,”
she said.
Hunter said she
takes inspirations from
Toronto’s Ballroom and
the United States chain
Lucky Strike, both of
which offer the feel of a
high-class lounge, while
including activities like
bowling and pool.
Walk into Hunter’s on
a given evening, and it
feels more like nightclub Keeping the ambiance fun and modern helps
than a stodgy old bowling draw in patrons to the alley, even if they don’t
alley. Music is pumping bowl. Photo: Grant Romancia
and high-energy music
videos are playing on giant projection
A major breakthrough in Hunter’s
screens. Black lights make everything entertainment overhaul was the hiring
glow, from clothing to bowling pins.
of well-known chef Terry Schulhauser,
formerly of Tusq. Since his arrival,
This glow bowling is a huge hit with the large restaurant at the Eastview
children, who often requests birthday Bowling Centre has been tapping into
parties at Hunter’s. Bonnie Daniels of the lucrative foodie market. They have
Prince Albert recently held a birthday even begun catering outside events as
party for her 14-year-old daughter at word of Schulhauser’s move to Hunter’s
Hunter’s. “She loves bowling and she has spread.
wanted to come,” she said. “They wear
their brightest colours and they love it.”
Local companies have begun booking
corporate events more frequently,
In the summer, Hunter said, kids can Hunter said, including full banquet
come bowl free every day. This does a dinners. What is attracting them, she
lot to increase traffic and develop a new said, is a venue that can offer great
generation of bowling food, entertainment and a few drinks
enthusiasts.
all under one roof.
By the time evening
rolls around, especially
on weekends, a totally
different crowd rolls in.
This time its adults, many
more interested in a beer
and a bite to eat than
bowling. Hunter says her
entertainment centres
really connect with people
looking for a fun time, but
are sick of the nightclubs.

“It’s a bar that’s not a
bar,” she said. “On Friday
or Saturday, it’s packed in
Eastview Bowl has overhauled their lounge and here.”
restaurant to appeal to a new crowd. Photo: Grant
Romancia

6

“With bowling you can only do so
much, but we can always encourage
people to have some food or a drink,”
she said.
“We’re adjusting, trying new things
and doing our best,” she said. “That’s
what it takes to keep up with the times
and grow.”
Eastview Bowling Centre
2929 Louise St E, Saskatoon, SK
(306) 373-4333
Fairhaven Bowling Centre
3401 22nd St W, Saskatoon, SK
(306) 382-2822

February/March 2014

BUSINESS View­­­ ­

CELEBRATE SUCCESS! 2014

Get ready for the 2014 Celebrate Success!
Awards - presented by PotashCorp

G

et ready for another great year
of celebrating our community
with the 2014 Celebrate Success!
Awards on May 15th.

The SABEX awards, given annually
at the Celebrate Success! event
(presented by PotashCorp), is a great
way to celebrate a business doing great
things in our community.
The SABEX Awards also offer benefits
and promotion for businesses through
nomination: Business View Magazine
appearances, website recognition, and
logo display. These will not only help
gain recognition but build a strong
reputation for outstanding business
contribution in the city of Saskatoon!
The 2013 award recipients were as
follows:

SABEX Environmental
Sustainability
(Sponsored by Cameco)
Shercom Industries Inc.
SABEX New Business Venture
(Sponsored by SaskPower)
LB Distillers
SABEX New Product and/or
Service
(Sponsored by BDC)
LB Distillers
SABEX Small Business of the
Year
(Sponsored by TD Canada Trust)
Koenig & Associates

Business for Peace Nominee
(Sponsored by the Greater Saskatoon
Chamber of Commerce)

Recognizing business excellence is
an important element in creating the
best business climate in Canada and to
create a city of opportunity.
The Greater Saskatoon Chamber
of Commerce, under the “Celebrate
Success!” masthead, will recognize
and celebrate the many successes of
Saskatoon businesses and individuals
who have attained excellence on a
local, national, and international level.
These individuals and businesses have
contributed greatly to improving the

Photo by Grant Romancia

business climate of Saskatoon and area
and have made a significant contribution
that has reflected positively on the
community of Saskatoon.
The Chamber of Commerce believes
that “Celebrate Success!” demonstrates
why Saskatoon shines in so many ways.

Kavia Auto Body

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

7

Bring on the wear and tear.

The Sonim XP5560 BOLT 2 is designed for those who work in extreme environments.
It comes with a three-year comprehensive warranty and, when used with SaskTel 4G
Push-to-Talk, is unstoppable. This rugged device can survive being submerged
in water, dropped on concrete, or driven over by a pickup truck. We’d say
it’s tough as nails, but it’s really more like the hammer.
SaskTel 4G

“Chamber on Tap” event kicks off 2014 with guest
Curtis Olsen of Shift Development

C

hamber on Tap was a huge
success to kick off the New Year,
with special guest Curtis Olson of
Shift Development. Curtis spoke
on the new and exciting development
opportunities in Saskatoon.
Come join us at Hudson’s on the first
Wednesday of every month throughout
the year to listen to local successful
business professionals talk about
their trials and successes of starting
and growing a business right here in
Saskatoon!
Special thanks to Grant Romancia
photography for supplying the photos,
as well as to Hudson’s Canadian Tap
House and the Chamber’s Group
Insurance plan team for sponsoring
this event.

Curtis Olsen (Shift Development) and host Evan Drisner (NuFab Building
Products) kicked off the new year of Chamber events at Hudson’s Canadian
Tap House. (Photo: Grant Romancia)

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

9

GET TO KNOW A MEMBER

Getting to know Chem-Dry and Auto Spa and
Imports of Saskatoon By Dean York, Owner, Chem-Dry and Auto Spa and Imports of Saskatoon

J

ackie and I have been involved
with the Chem-Dry carpet and
upholstery cleaning system for
over 17 years; the first 6 as a client
and the rest as owners. This business
operates as Chem-Dry of Saskatoon.
Within the last 4 years, we have added
our other business – Auto Spa and
Imports of Saskatoon – to leverage the
knowledge we have acquired in taking
care of people’s homes’ and businesses’
carpets and fabrics in order to take care
of their vehicles as well. Our clients
simply were asking for it!
Why did we purchase a Chem-Dry
Franchise? Did we stay awake late
at night as children dreaming about
becoming a carpet cleaner?
Not at all. In fact, our friends looked
at us funny when we told them we had
made the decision to buy our first ChemDry Franchise several years ago. What
really made us move forward with this
was a love for people (both our amazing
clients and incredible staff), having a
passion for excellent customer service
and fully believing in the system and
philosophy of Chem-Dry.
Whether in a commercial business
or in someone’s home, Chem-Dry of
Saskatoon uses proprietary products
and equipment that leave your carpets
drier, cleaner and healthier. Our
flagship product “The Natural” consists
of elements copied from Mother Nature
to carbonate within your carpet and
fabrics surfaces. With this active
process, a deep cleaning occurs with
much less moisture than traditional
cleaning methods (about 80 percent
less moisture than a ‘steam’ cleaning).
Because of this your carpets are
dry, clean and fresh about an hour or
two after my staff leaves. Our products
and equipment have been certified a
Platinum Cleaning Level (the highest
level in the industry) by the Carpet
and Rug Institute which backs up our
claim as Saskatoon’s premier carpet and

10

upholstery cleaning business.
We are one of approximately 5,000
franchises in over 40 countries. ChemDry has grown very quickly, to be the
largest carpet cleaning organization
in the world because of our unique,
effective, environmentally-safe deepcleaning process. Carpet manufacturers
and unbiased professional observers in
the industry rate Chem-Dry second to
none.
With Auto Spa
and Imports of
Saskatoon, the
same attention
to detail and
a w a r e n e s s
of
ensuring
your vehicle is
returned to you in
a refreshed state
applies as well.
Utilizing state of
the art cleaning
systems
and
processes, we excel
at both making
your car look and
feel new along with
addressing those
“hard to deal with”
situations such as
stain removal,
unpleasant odors
or stone chip or
glass repair.
I would be
proud to be given
the opportunity
to earn your

business. Please give Jackie or I a call
to answer any questions you may have.
Chem-Dry of Saskatoon – 306.934.5995
Auto Spa and Imports of Saskatoon –
306.664.8843

How
competitive
are your
salaries &
benefits?

SALARY SURVEYS
Four things every organization needs to
know:

 Is it paying fairly & competitively?
 Is the group insurance benefits
coverage appropriate?

 What are the prevalence & magnitude

DOWNLOAD
TODAY
www.wcbc.ca/
surveys/pricelist

of retirement plans in the market?

 Are its compensation policies &
procedures sound?

15% discount for
Chamber members

WCBC’s easy-to-use surveys give you
access to information on salaries,
bonuses, group insurance, retirement
benefits and compensation best practices.

INFO | Nancy MacLeod | 1-800-781-2411 | wcbc@wcbc.ca

February/March 2014

BUSINESS View­­­ ­

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

Solutions for any size business
Small to Medium Business

Remove the burden of managing your wireless program internally. Let our corporate
team implement and manage a cellular service plan designed for your business. No
more worries about device upgrades, changes to rate plans or lost or broken
phones. Our team will handle it all.

Large Business
Our corporate team will work closely with your IT group to ensure that your
employees have the devices they need. And your dedicated account manager will
ensure maximum cost savings with regular reviews of your rate plans.

We invite you to attend
Compensation Institute 2014
A free educational event about
workers’ compensation
March 24 & 25, 2014
Delta Regina
Since 1998, the WCB has presented this
event for anyone who wants to know
more about the Saskatchewan workers’
compensation system.

Featured sessions include:
• Hazard identification and control.
• What is PTSD and psychological injury.
• Return to work roles and responsibilities.
• The claims management process.
For full agenda and registration visit
our website wcbsask.com.
Follow us on Twitter @saskwcb hashtag
#CI2014 for real-time updates.

BUSINESS NEWS

SREDA and RROC officially launch applications
for Saskatchewan Business Challenge

T

he Saskatchewan Business
Challenge (SkBC) has officially
launched the 2014 competition
and applications are now being
accepted until February 15, 2014.
The Saskatchewan Business
Challenge (SkBC) is an entrepreneurship
development
program
that
increases start-up success through
training, mentoring and networking
opportunities. It is presented by
the Regina Regional Opportunities
Commission (RROC ) and the Saskatoon
Regional Economic Development
Authority (SREDA) with major support
from the Saskatchewan Ministry of the
Economy.
“Saskatchewan’s economy is growing
and it is an exciting time for innovative
entrepreneurs,” said Economy Minister
Bill Boyd. “We are pleased to work with
RROC and SREDA as they support
emerging businesses in our province.”
Created in May 2012, the Ministry of
the Economy brings an integrated focus
to maintain the province’s competitive
position and encourage sustainable

economic growth.
The competition officially kicked off
last night in Saskatoon, at the Bassment,
where entrepreneurs, business leaders,
and SkBC applicants came together
to celebrate the thriving business
community in Saskatchewan. Tim
LeClair, President and CEO of SREDA,
officially opened the applications period
and encouraged people from all over the
province to apply online at saskbc.ca.
“The provincial competition
celebrates our emerging entrepreneurs,
and the involvement of the Saskatchewan
business community has helped make
this competition truly unique” says Le
Clair, “There are a lot of strong ideas
that become successful businesses after
completing our challenge, largely due to
the mentoring and coaching that takes
place throughout the six months.”

are tasked with choosing the grand
prize winner and two runner-ups. The
winners will be announced at an Awards
Celebration to be held in Saskatoon
that will once again bring together
the Saskatchewan entrepreneurial
community. The Awards Celebration
is held in collaboration with the
Saskatchewan Young Professionals and
Entrepreneurs (SYPE).
Applications will be accepted from
January 15 to February 15, 2014 and
are open to entrepreneurs within the
province. This year, the top twenty will
be identified following the application
period and will participate in the
intensive Design Weekend, March 2123, 2014.
For more information on the
challenge and how to apply, please visit
saskbc.ca.

In June, the competition will conclude
with the exhilarating Limo Pitch and a
final business plan presentation, where
the top ten participants will compete
for over $50,000 in prizes. The judges

n November 19th, 2013 Chambers
Plan was delighted to present
Kent Smith-Windsor with the
prestigious Marketing Award at
the Chamber of Commerce Executives of
Saskatchewan (CCES) Fall Conference
in Saskatoon.
Kent and his staff were recognized
for their Chambers Plan marketing
efforts which included:
•
•

Co-sponsoring “New Member
Breakfasts” twice a year.
The Chamber on Tap networking
event (interview with local business
leaders).

•
•

Presentation from Chambers
Plan representatives in the Board
Member Orientation.
“Faces of Business” campaign
featuring 5 local members who
participate in Chambers Plan.

Are you a Chamber
Member that has an
announcement or news
release you’d like to
share?

As a result of their efforts, the
Greater Saskatoon Chamber increased
their Chambers Plan administration
fees by $19,000 or 21% last year. This
is an increase of 94% from four years
prior!

Contact Derek Crang,
Membership and Marketing
Director at

Congratulations Kent and staff!

dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

for more information.

13

MEMBER NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Business Furnishings expands operations to Precision
Autodoor Systems

T

ake a drive around the city and
you’ll spot them everywhere – at
the local grocery store, hotel or
even at your favorite restaurant.
Once the domain of large institutional
buildings, automatic pedestrian doors
have become commonplace in recent
years, thanks to their affordable
installation and maintenance, and
increasing demand from the public.
In late 2013, Business Furnishings
expanded its operations to include
Precision Autodoor Systems, in order
to meet the ever-changing needs of its
customers. Wayne Wilson, President of
Business Furnishings, says he’s excited
about the new opportunity. “As the
city and province continue to grow, so
too does the need for safe, convenient
entrances for our clients. With Precision,
we’re bringing a wealth of knowledge
and experience to our company.”

Saskatchewan owned and operated,
Business Furnishings has been creating
environments that are functional
and flexible, while adapting to the
continuously evolving needs of its
customers. Operating from facilities
in Saskatoon and Regina, Business
Furnishings is a trusted and wellrecognized furniture and architectural
wall solutions provider to industries
including education, healthcare,
finance, government and commercial.
Now, with staff having over 25 years
of combined experience in the automatic
door industry, this new member of
the Business Furnishings’ family will
provide industry-leading automatic
door operators, sensors and controls,
while specializing in servicing all makes
and models of automatic doors.

Local.

quick, easy access for everyone, they also
help to position a business as a leader by
creating a welcoming atmosphere,” says
Wayne. “At Business Furnishings, our
motto is ‘for a better day at work’. Now
that Precision Autodoor is part of our
growing family we may have to change
it to, ‘for a better door at work,” he adds.
“With Pat Moroney, Kevin Edmonds
and their team, along with the GyroTech
product line, we can supply products
and services that are unsurpassed in the
industry.”
To learn more about Precision
Autodoor Systems Ltd., please contact
Pat Moroney or Kevin Edmonds at (306)
651-2112 or email pat@prautodoor.com
or kevin@prautodoor.com.

“Automatic doors not only provide

Online.

Anytime.

“The Value Leader”
14

February/March 2014

BUSINESS View­­­ ­

CGI

Promotional Feature

Investing in our community; CGI opens
doors in Saskatoon

O

n December 1st, 2013 the doors
of CGI’s newest Canadian
office opened in Saskatoon
at 118-23 Street East.
Allan Fair, Saskatoon Regional Director
at CGI, answers questions about what
this means for Saskatoon – and CGI.
Who is CGI?
Allan Fair: CGI is a Canadian IT
services company that’s been in
business for over 35 years. CGI
is a home grown success story
employing
12,000
technology
professionals across Canada and
68,000 around the world and
we work with businesses of all
sizes to help them win and grow.
Why is CGI coming to
Saskatoon? What opportunities
do you see here?
AF: I’ve lived in Saskatchewan all
my life and see Saskatoon as a place
with expanding opportunity. We’ve
actually been working with clients in
Saskatoon for decades – opening an
office was the next logical step.
Saskatoon is a growing city with
a viable workforce and I think CGI
can help by providing high-end
consulting value locally. One of CGI’s
core values has always been client
proximity. Living and working in the
same communities as our clients is a
key factor in CGI’s success. To provide
value to our clients we need to fully
understand their business needs.

What better way to do that than
be on the ground in Saskatoon?
What are some of the business
challenges in Saskatoon that CGI
can address?
AF: Well, business is competitive—
whether you are a credit union, a
potash producer or a manufacturing
company. CGI collaborates with our
clients to achieve results through
technology. Because CGI is a company
with a broad range of experience
from all over the world, we help
companies, small and large, to become
more productive, more efficient, and
provide higher levels of service while
still reducing overall costs. CGI has
industry experience that benefits
Saskatoon including three global
centres dedicated to mining and metals
manufacturing.
Another one of CGI’s strengths is
change management. Small, medium,
and large organizations all experience
change at some point – be it a
complete overhaul or automating
workflows. CGI offers consulting as
well as IT services in order to
help smooth the transition.
What makes CGI different?

Allan Fair, Saskatoon Regional Director

together to find solutions that lead to
sustainable and profitable outcomes.
About 95% of our employees are
also shareholders and that breeds pride
in what we do.
I’d like to extend an invitation to
anyone who would like to know more
about CGI or just to say hello to drop
by our new office. We look forward to
meeting and working with you.

AF: While a number of companies
provide similar services, it’s CGI’s
approach that makes us different.
We want to partner with our clients,
understand
business
challenges
and opportunities, and then work

iegers Financial & Benefits
is extremely proud to be
recognized as the first ever
Chambers Plan marketing
agency in the Prairie Region (Alberta
and Saskatchewan) to achieve $5
million of in-force premium.
“We are extremely proud of Deb
Wiegers, Tamara Dundas and the
entire group benefits team at Wiegers
Financial & Benefits. They have truly set
the pace and the bar for other agencies
in the region and across the country! We
are very pleased to have their agency
on our Chambers Plan team,” says
Ken Willoughby, Regional Marketing
Director.
Nationally, Chambers Plan provides
group benefits to more than 30,000 small
and medium sized businesses who are
members of 900 chambers of commerce
which endorse the program. The Plan
was introduced over 35 years ago to
make group benefits available to smaller
firms. Chambers Plan has become the
largest small group insurance program
of its kind in the country. The Chambers
Plan is administered by Johnston Group
Inc., named one of Canada’s 50 Best
Managed companies in each of the past
12 years.

In addition to being in operation for over 20 years, the team at Wiegers Financial & Benefits are active
members in the community, supporting both charitable organizations and the business community
at large (supplied photo).

As an agency for over 20 years,
Wiegers has grown their annual
Chambers Plan production from
$70,000 per year to $500,000 per
year. Ten years ago, Wiegers had
approximately $500,000 of in-force
premium and has increased that 10 fold
in 10 years. They currently service over
560 businesses that employ over 7,200
employees.

With a desire to make a difference
in the community, Wiegers created a
charity arm called Wiegers Care for
Kids. The charity facilitates events by
which the community can rally together
in support of causes for the children
of Saskatchewan. In particular, their
comedy and cabaret events have risen
over $325,000 in the past four years.
“It’s amazing how contagious giving can
be,” Cliff Wiegers comments.

Wiegers Financial & Benefits is a
leading financial planning and group
benefits consulting firm in Saskatoon.
Locally owned and operated for more
than 24 years, they are committed to
providing clients with a level of service,
professionalism and expertise that is

To encourage youth in business,
Wiegers has entered into a new
partnership with the Chamber. The
initiative has been named “tweet seats”
and will encourage young aspiring
business professionals to become more

16

second to none. With a team of over 40,
Wiegers is able to provide each client
with the personal, dedicated service
they deserve.

involved in the business community
by attending Chamber meetings and
interacting via social media.
For more information on Wiegers
Financial & Benefits visit their website
at www.wiegersfinancial.com or phone:
(306) 244-0949. Offices located at 120
33rd Street East Saskatoon, SK S7K 0S2.

February/March 2014

BUSINESS View­­­ ­

UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

Promotional Feature

Paying it forward: investing in Saskatchewan’s
future

Royan and Bobbi Stewart of Breck Scaffold Solutions (2009) are helping more students succeed at the University of Saskatchewan through their
annual company-named scholarship award.

F

or over a century, the University of
Saskatchewan has played a key role
in fostering the talent our province
needs to thrive. U of S graduates
have confidently stepped into vital
leading roles in all sectors of society,
bringing their skills and ingenuity to
communities across Saskatchewan.
The U of S believes that an investment
in students pays large dividends for
everyone, and that the business sector is
a valuable stakeholder in helping future
graduates learn and grow.
Local entrepreneur Royan Stewart,
president of Breck Scaffold Solutions
(2009), believes in the value of higher
education and in making that crucial
investment in U of S students. In
2013, Stewart established the Breck
Scaffold Solutions Education Bursary
in appreciation of his parents, who were
both teachers.
“My parents helped me out a lot
when I was at school and starting out
in business,” said Stewart. “They would
do whatever it took to help. Success isn’t
something that just happens—people

help make you the success that you are.
So I feel we should give back.”
By committing to a company-named
annual award that helps students with
a minimum $2,000 bursary per year
for five years, Stewart is helping U of
S students grow and succeed. The U
of S first began offering businesses the
chance to help students in this longerterm way last year, and three Saskatoon
businesses generously came on board,
each with a five-year gift to students.
The university plans to help even
more students this year by encouraging
gifts of any size to the Building Futures
Fund, a general awards fund where
businesses can direct all sizes of
annual donations to support academic
excellence and leadership across
disciplines. These awards, distributed
through student scholarships and
bursaries, are solely funded by the
generosity of U of S business partners.
“You’re helping people grow, which
helps Saskatchewan become the best
it can be,” explained Stewart. “It’s a
pleasure to deal with the U of S, and

it’s surprising what a huge difference
$1,000 can make to someone. Plus, you
get that permanent recognition of giving
back to your community…everyone likes
to be appreciated!”
Charitable giving is an important
source for scholarships and bursaries at
the U of S. Recurring annual giving from
business partners can create immediate
funding for students, so they can get the
most out of their time at the university.
For more information, or to make your
business donation today, please contact:
Namarta Kochar
Development Officer,
Leadership Giving
306-966-2402
namarta.kochar@usask.ca
Sandra Lazar
Associate Director,
Annual Giving
306-966-7910
sandra.lazar@usask.ca

ommy Gun’s Original Barbershop
has now opened a second location
in Saskatoon at Stonebridge. The
first shop opened in December at
Millar Crossing and Saskatoon residents
have responded with a warm welcome.
Saskatoon’s hot new southern
development area of Stonebridge
has a lot of drawing cards for new
business. The Saskatoon franchisee
chose Stonebridge as the location for
the second store, because the business
district and residential area offers a
steady stream of traffic and convenience
for the male demographic in this area.
Franchise spokesperson Richard
Worth had this to say, “Several business
opportunities exist yet its really about
finding the right business model
combined with excellent locations
and great people. We know that if we
combine these elements we will enjoy
success. Tommy Gun’s fills a niche for
men’s grooming, and this has created
opportunity right here in Saskatoon.

“The Tommy Gun’s people have done
an excellent job putting the business
together, creating an environment that
caters to the man. There’s nothing out
there quite like Tommy Gun’s at this
time. We have a few more positions to
fill, so we’re actively seeking members
for our team.”
Tommy Gun’s caters to men of all
ages, offering haircuts, hot shaves, scalp
massages and a few other grooming
options. The new location in Stonebridge
is approximately 1,200 square feet,
offering 9 grooming stations.
Tommy Gun’s concept is a modern
man cave with a retro feel, incorporating
brick, steel and red leather. Guests can

catch up on the scores during their
haircut from the in-mirror television
at their station or on the big screens out
front. Plus they’ll enjoy a free beverage
and scalp massage with their service.
Other perks include the iPads for
surfing, arcade style games and a good
selection of products for purchase too.
About: Tommy Gun’s Original
Barbershop is a national Franchisor of
barbershops across Canada, based in
Red Deer Alberta. Tommy Gun’s Original
Barbershop currently has locations in
Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and
Saskatchewan, with Winnipeg, Manitoba
opening shortly. For more information
visit www.tommy-guns.ca.

10. Full participation by members at
meetings is encouraged and facilitated
by an effective meeting leadership.

B

11. Agendas and Minutes of Meeting
are issued in a timely manner for
appropriate preparation and follow-up.

usy personal schedules are
often managed with artful
talent, particularly so for those
serving on committees and
boards. Not all such commitments,
however, share the same platform in
one’s hierarchy of importance. Some
of these committees elicit enthusiasm
and are eagerly supported, while others
are displaced from time-to-time with
deemed higher priorities, and some
may even be removed altogether.

success over time:

What makes the difference? And,
how can we ensure that volunteer
investment is respected, nurtured and
rewarded to successful outcomes for all
stakeholders?

4.
Terms of reference are provided
to all the committee members. These
are understood, and regularly reviewed.

We likely come to our committee
participation with a passion for its
cause, and even shared values with
the organization and its vision and
mission. Even if at times they may
not yet be fully formed, we join with
expectations of what we can offer, an
understanding of what we need to
work most effectively, and with what
we hope to achieve – even if altruistic.
Not surprisingly, and supported
by recent survey results by The
Chamber Board of the organization’s 11
committees, the following committee
effectiveness practices are worthy of
consideration. These appreciate that
we all bring various skills, unique and
valuable experience, vision, knowledge
and talent as leaders and members,
and that each committee evolves its
own culture, needs and terms for

1.
The mandate is understood and
supported by committee members, with
decisions regularly tested against it.
2.
The committee’s role to the
organization is understood, as well as
the overall vision, mission and strategy.
3.
The organizational code of ethics
are understood, respected and upheld

5.
Goals are clearly articulated,
shared, and S.M.A.R.T. (Specific,
measurable, attainable, realistic
and timely). These are developed in
participation with, and supported by
the committee as a whole.
6.
Present at the meeting are the
competencies, talents and personality
types that will help to meet mandate.
7.
An
understanding
and
appreciation of the strengths,
personality types and motivations of
the committee members are captured,
and utilized to enhance outcomes.
8.
Committee and members’ needs
and expectations are shared and
understood.
9.
Meetings and communiqués are
productive and respectful of members’
time and staff resources.

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

12. Pertinent intelligence is shared
through the Committee Chair to the
Board (or whoever is designated) to
assist with strategic insights.
Committees are rarely stagnant.
The change of committee members
and needs, along with changing
environmental conditions make regular
evaluations and modifications, as
deemed beneficial, prudent investment
of effort and time.
All who serve on volunteer
committees understand that there can
be no greater reward than to serve
meaningfully, and in return to enjoy
the many positive outcomes of such a
shared journey. Such generosity, and
commitment to doing and being the
best create the vibrancy and passion for
which Saskatoon’s become well known.

Silvia Martini, Vice-President
– Interlink Research Inc.,
is a Director of the Board
for the Greater Saskatoon
Chamber of Commerce, a
member of its Executive
Committee, and Chair of its new Board
Governance Committee. She is also
member of GSCC Health Opportunities
Committee, and Mentor with the Edwards
School of Business Betty-Ann Heggie
Womentorship Program. She has been a
member of numerous Boards, led countless
committees, facilitated workshops, been
guest speaker and writer on strategic
development issues since the 1980s. Silvia
can be reached at martini.interlink@
sasktel.net, or at (306) 281-9019.

19

3 reasons to take a

closer look at Chambers
Plan
group benefits . . .

3 Fast accurate payments
2 YOU control the coverage
1 YOU control the COST
Our Saskatoon Marketing Agencies:

Business building lessons from “Breaking Bad”
By Mouneeb Shahid, CEO and Founder 2WebDesign.com

T

hree weekends and 50-plus
hours of a Netflix triathlon later,
I confess that I have committed an
“entrepreneurial sin” by watching
TV with the sole purpose of entertaining
myself. The exercise has helped me
achieve a new level of endurance for
withstanding television, but it never
occurred to me that I would learn
some very important business lessons
through this entertaining ordeal.
The series that got me hooked was
“Breaking Bad.” For those that are
unaware, it is an award-winning series
which highlights a two-year journey of
an ailing high school chemistry teacher
who overcomes financial challenges by
turning to a life of crime.
Without including any spoilers,
I want to focus primarily on 11 key
points that made him successful as an
entrepreneur and the lessons we can
learn from his experiences:
1) Pursuit of excellence
Every business should regularly
invest in making themselves better
at what they do. This is a crucial part
of making your business known and
credible among your target market. The
product or service that you offer should
have the highest standards and be the
best in the industry. Period. There is
no room for mediocre companies in an
aggressive market.
2) Service with an extra-mile
Your customers will decide how good
you are, so it is important you take good
care of them. Go beyond and deliver
more, with a better quality than they
expect. Make it your goal to ensure that
your customers have fond memories of
you. This is absolutely necessary if you
want them talking about your product
to their network.
3) Extreme level of passion
Your product or service is a reflection
of you as a business owner. If you are

passionate about your business, your
customers will sense that and be excited
about your offering. Passion really
counts when the going gets tough.
When everything is breaking apart and
things go downhill, it is the passionate
entrepreneurs that survive the market
slump.

8) Be Patient

4) Partner with care

9) Innovate

Partnerships are like marriage.
They go well at times but they can
break apart as well. Partnerships are
mutually beneficial if you have a clear
understanding of responsibilities
between the partners and focus on
the strengths of each other. Once in
a while you will need to carry your
partner’s weight and make sacrifices,
but keeping the goal in mind and having
a clear direction will allow you to sustain
key relationships. Always have an exit
strategy that all parties are clear about.

It is a fact that most innovations
happen when there is a period of
recession. This is understandable
because when money is rolling in,
businesses are not worried. It is when
times get difficult that we need to
rethink our strategy to survive. At times
all doors seem closed and that is exactly
when we need to take a step back and
get a little creative.

5) Build an empire
Make efforts to continually expand by
selecting the right distribution and sales
channels. By employing distribution
channels you can streamline the
delivery of your product and grow
revenues consistently. It also adds a
layer of stability to your business so you
can have a healthy cash flow.
6) Negotiate
Whenever there is hard-earned
money or resources involved, always
negotiate. Try to have an unbiased
understanding of the commitments and
value of each negotiating party. Your
negotiating power will depend on your
approach, the value you bring to the
table and your position in the market
place.
7) Dominate
Dominate your industry. In addition
to delivering the best product and
service, take aggressive measures to
be the one your customers will think of
when there is talk about your industry.

BUSINESS View­ February/March 2014

Patience is a virtue. When dealing
with people and hardships in business,
being patient with the conditions at
hand is critical. How you deal with
struggles today will influence your
success tomorrow.

10) Keep your goals in sight
Never lose track of your goals. Always
remember your goals and keep an active
mindset as to why you are doing what
you are doing.
11) Keep family first
Most entrepreneurs are guilty of
not spending enough time with their
families. It is a known fact that most us
accept that as a by-product of “striving
to achieve success.” We live in a world
full of rat races and whatever we achieve
never seems to be enough.
When you are trapped in this mindset
of moving forward professionally, you
might actually be moving backward
personally. Keeping your family first as
part of your goals is necessary to live a
full life and actually be successful.
If you haven’t already, watch the
series and share your comments on
our blog:
www.2webdesign.com/blog

Aboriginal Opportunities Committee:
The Aboriginal Opportunities Committee would like to
welcome Chris Sicotte as the new Chair of the committee. This
committee has been very active and working hard to highlight
Aboriginal business in the Saskatoon area and expose them
to the business community to help facilitate partnerships.
Agribusiness Committee:
Everyone month a guest speaker embedded in the agricultural
sector presents on informative and best practices in the
agricultural industry. The Committee is focused on connecting
and learning about new and innovative measures taking place
in the agricultural industry.

Celebrate Success!
Lynn Nastiuk - Sask. Health Research Foundation

Business Growth Committee:
The Business Growth Committee is happy to present Business
by Design. Each Monday of March a speaker will be highlighting
factors within technology that affect business operations.
These information sessions will be very informative for anyone
looking to increase their effectiveness using technology.

Environmental Sustainability
Colleen Yates - Equinox3 Consulting Ltd.

Shaken with a Twist continues to interview predominant
women in the Saskatoon business climate. Come join every
third Thursday of the month.

Celebrate Success! Committee:
The 2014 SABEX award nominations close February 11th!
The committee is busy planning another great event for May.
Please visit www.celebrate-success.ca to nominate a business
in our community.

Government Affairs
Michael Chudoba - Innovative Residential

Future Opportunities Committee:
The Future Opportunities Committee is keeping Saskatoon
updated on the new innovations happening right here and
internationally to help Saskatoon stay prepared and propel
successfully into the future.

More information available online at
www.saskatoonchamber.com under Committees.

22

Knowledge & Youth Committee:
The Knowledge & Youth Committee is currently stimulating
two focus groups called “Bridging the Gap”. These focus groups
are aim to gather the perspectives of new young professions who
have recently entered the workforce and from professionals
who have experience hiring recent graduates. These focus
groups will help identify the difficulties and limitations faced
on both ends. The Chamber is excited to share the results!
Membership Development Committee:
Chamber on Tap was a huge success to kick off the New Year,
special guest Curtis Olson of Shift Development spoke on the
new and exciting development opportunities in Saskatoon.
Come join us at Hudson’s on the first Wednesday of every
month to listen to local successful business professionals talk
about their trials and successes of starting and growing a
business right here in Saskatoon!

February/March 2014

BUSINESS View­­­ ­

For membership information contact Derek Crang

(306) 664-0702 dcrang@saskatoonchamber.com
Visit saskatoonchamber.com today under Member Services for more details

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